Bloodhound Traits

Bloodhound History

The bloodhound is probably a direct descendent of the St. Hubert's hound, which was in Europe by the 700s.

In 1066, William the Conqueror is credited with bringing them to England.

These were some of the earliest pure-breeding strains of dogs, kept by Church dignitaries in carefully bred packs.

The name bloodhound comes from "blooded hound," in reference to their pure blood.

By the 1800s, bloodhounds were in America.

Bloodhounds, along with other scenthounds, were sometimes used to trail escaped slaves. They continue to be used to trail humans. They do not attack people when they find them, as is sometimes alleged.

The AKC recognized the bloodhound in 1885.

Bloodhounds hold tracking records for length and staleness of trail.

Bloodhound Behavior Concerns

Makes a placid and amiable companion.

Good with children, but its independent nature and low energy level may be frustrating for children at times.

Generally friendly toward strangers.

Good with other dogs and pets.

Likes to follow its nose, tends to wander, and does not come when called.

Likes to hunt.

Often barks and bays loudly when excited or on a trail.

Tends to be stubborn and methodical. Does best with reward-based training involving food.

Bloodhound Suggested Exercises

Makes a calm and reliable housedog.

Its physical exercise needs can be met with a long walk or short run. It prefers to walk and sniff and explore.

Care must be taken if allowed off leash because the bloodhound tends to get caught up in following scent trails, and it's not overly obedient or inclined to come when called.

Bloodhounds tend to do well at dog parks.

They do not like hot weather.

Bloodhound Grooming

Coat is short, thick and tight.

Brushing once a week will remove dead hair.

Shedding is average.

The mouth and wrinkles should be examined, cleaned and dried regularly.

Be prepared for drool.

Suggested Bloodhound Nutritional Needs

Bloodhounds have a tendency to become overweight.

Adult dogs should be fed a balanced diet, with restricted calories if the dog starts to gain too much weight.

Puppies should be fed a large-breed growth food, which slows their growing rate but not final size. This may decrease the incidence or severity of hip dysplasia in adults.

Emergency

In case of emergency during normal business hours, please call us immediately. If you have an emergency outside of our normal business hours, please contact a local emergency animal hospital.

Specialty Care

As part of the VCA family, we have over 83 specialty hospitals across the US and Canada which provide referral specialty care, so there may be one near you. Enter ZIP to find VCA specialty care hospitals near you.